Fatal Bus Crash On Northern Blvd.

The scene at the intersection of Main Street and Northern Boulevard where a private coach bus operated by the Dahlia Travel and Tours struck an MTA Q20 bus. Three people, including the driver of the coach bus were killed.
Courtesy FDNY Twitter account Three people are dead after a horrifying collision occurred between an MTA bus and a private coach bus at the intersection of Main Street and Northern Boulevard during the early morning rush hour.

More than one hundred FDNY, NYPD and EMS were on the scene by 6:30 am on September 18 merely 10 minutes after the private bus operated by the Flushing-based Dahlia Travel and Tours t-boned the city bus at the busy intersection. Three people were killed and firefighters had to use the “jaws-of-life” to free passengers trapped in the Q20.

The city bus had 15 passengers and had just completed making a right turn onto Northern Boulevard from Main Street when the private bus struck the vehicle eastbound on Northern Boulevard. That caused the city bus to flip around and both vehicles were sent flying into the storefront of the Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurant on the southeast corner. Surveillance video shows that the private bus clearly had a red light.

Two of the three fatalities, including the tour bus driver and a passenger aboard the Q20, died at area hospitals, while a pedestrian who became pinned under one of the buses, was killed at the scene, according to officials.

The Q20 bus driver, who has 10 years on the job – suffered nonlife threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition.

“I am devastated by the crash this morning that has resulted in three deaths and injuries to at least 16 people. I have been in touch with the National Transportation Safety Board, and I thank the NTSB for swiftly announcing an investigation into this terrible incident. NTSB’s accident report will help determine the cause of the crash and how to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the deadly accident, and I will be in close contact with the NTSB as it develops its report and safety recommendations,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng in a statement.

Councilman Peter Koo also released a statement following the crash: “This crash was devastating. My deepest condolences go out to the families of those who have passed away and to those who are fighting for their lives. I have been on the scene all day and my office will continue working with first responders, city and state agencies to make sure this area is safe. This horrible crash must be investigated thoroughly to determine the extent of the damage, and to confirm if negligence or insufficient safety controls were a factor.”